Motorsport: Happy Birthday, Marcel!

"I don't have a problem with it," he says spontaneously when asked what the age of 40 means to him. After all, it's in nature to get older. And ultimately, it's about how you feel - and he feels fit and not forty. However, as a racing driver at a time when an 18-year-old is winning a Grand Prix, the ticking of this natural clock can be a handicap.

Fortunately, the youth craze has not yet taken hold of the endurance scene. Experience, routine and prudence count more here than in any other championship, in addition to the indispensable basic speed. Marcel Fässler: "That's why it's important how you perform on the track. And as long as it's right, age doesn't matter. Otherwise Audi would not have extended my contract by several years." The father of four daughters refers to Tom Kristensen, who retired from active racing at the end of 2014 at the age of 47: "If I take him as a reference, then I still have seven years to go."

Le Mans is a priority for Marcel Fässler in 2016
For the time being, Fässler is still enjoying driving so much that he is not thinking about retiring or when to do so. On the contrary, the highlight of the season is coming up in June at Le Mans, where he has already won three times (2011, 2012 and 2014) and would like to achieve one or more more victories. "I'm extremely motivated," emphasizes the birthday boy. "I'm showing how important this race is to me by not taking part in the Nürburgring 24 Hours, even though I would love to win there. But sometimes you have to set priorities. That's why I prefer to prepare seriously for Le Mans." AutoSprintCH and its readers wish Marcel Fässler all the best for his future career and private life. Happy Birthday!

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Photos: Audi Sport